Ludwig Bolzmann, Vienna

• 5 3/4 inch (14.6 cm) circular enamel dial, with Arabic numerals and central date ring, signed Ludw... Bolzman in Wien, the spandrels applied with scroll work and musical trophy above, eagle finial, the whole flanked by dolphins, all above a gallery suspended with a pendulum backed by mirrored glass, with alabaster columns • a fine 1/4 striking Viennese grande sonnerie calendar clock mounted on the upper organ cabinet surmounting two cabinets in Empire style, each containing a fusée operated organ movement, the upper organ with 25 stopped pipes, bellows, wind chest and pinned barrel, revealed through glazed doors, the cabinet resting on claw feet • the lower cabinet with second organ, containing 7 open pipes and 28 stopped pipes, bellows, wind chest, and pinned barrel concealed behind fabric trimmed doors

Ithaca, New York, Keyboard Instruments from the Time of Mozart, Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell University, 28 March - 15 June 2003

Kowar, H., Die Wiener Flötenhur, 2001, pp. 150-151
Cornell University, Keyboard Instruments from the Time of Mozart, 2003, ill. back page

The case in overall good condition with wear consistent with age. Sympathetic restoration throughout. Top far left column to the dial support has been restored and with cracks, mirror to the right behind columns with 2 cracks. Light pitting and light scratches to the enamel dial, light restoration to the aperture at 3. Back edges to the case slightly worn. Brass elements in very good condition with crisp edges. 3 columns to the front with some cracking but no loss or chips. Claw feet lightly worn but retain definition. The bottom cabinet top in very condition with wear to the top from the feet of the top cabinet/clock and slight warping. Overall bottom cabinet in excellent condition. Music functions well in both cabinets. Accompanied by 3 winding keys.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

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Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

The present Flötenuhr (flute organ) contains an unusual and rare double organ works both complete with bellows, wind chest, barrels, and pipes. The upper organ is accompanied by two pinned barrels, each with eight tunes, including excerpts from Mozart's "Die Zauberflöte" and "Don Giovanni." The lower organ is accompanied by three barrels (Aria, Variations, Vorspiel). These barrels are pinned in a spiral so they can play continuously for longer periods of time, however only contain one tune per barrel. 

Ludwig Bolzmann (1770-1839) may have created only two clocks combined with flute organs, however they are wonderful specimens within the genre. While organ clocks were being made since the late 17th century, advancements in the late 18th century, led by the Viennese, allowed for enhancement of sound and an increase in the length of the music played. The Black Forest area in Germany was a center for the construction of flute clocks at the turn of the 19th century, however of lesser quality than the small numbers being made in Vienna. Ludwig Bolzmann and Johann Mälzel were the first to make such organ clocks; they were followed by Hoss, Steiner, Seyffert, Wichmann, Heinrich, and others.

Of the two known clocks with flute organs by Bolzmann, both have been in long term private collections, and the present piece gives potential buyers a significant opportunity to acquire not only an extremely rare piece, but also one which has been maintained and preserved in excellent condition.

See Kowar, H., Die Wiener Flötenuhr, 2001, pp. 150-151.